AUSTIN, Texas -- Midway through the first half came a play that defined not just Texas' 81-69 victory over Kansas, but the Longhorns' season.Texas guard Isaiah Taylor continued his dribble and crashed into Kansas center Joel Embiid after a reaching foul had already been called.

Its clear how important guys like Russ Smith, Marcus Smart, Nick Johnson and C.J. Fair are to their respective teams. However, who are the X factor players for the legitimate national title contenders?

LAWRENCE, Kan. -- The lure, at least in part, is still the kid. Even with Joel Embiid's emergence as the new best prospect in 20 years, the old best prospect in 20 years (not to be confused with Jabari Parker, last years best prospect in 20 years) is still part of the curiosity.

In a showdown that could feature three of the top five picks in the upcoming NBA Draft - Kansas's Andrew Wiggins and Joel Embiid against Oklahoma State's Marcus Smart - it was an Embiid block party that stole the show and controlled the paint in the Kansas Jayhawks win.

Kansas has lost exactly twice in the past 46 games at Allen Fieldhouse, so the Jayhawks and their dedicated fan base tend to remember the L's.Follow up a road win at the Phog with a celebratory backflip and youre certain to never be forgotten.